What are risk factors for peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?
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Dr. NavYash Gupta of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Risk factors for developing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or plaque inside of arteries include diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. Genetics (family history) also plays a significant role.Risk factors for developing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or plaque inside of arteries include diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. Genetics (family history) also plays a significant role. More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:General risk factors for PVD include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Physical inactivity
- High blood pressure
- Family history of PVD, heart disease, or stroke
- Age -- as you get older, your risk increases
Additional risk factors for artery problems include diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
Additional risk factors for vein problems include standing or sitting for long periods.
General risk factors for PVD include: Smoking Being overweight Physical inactivity High blood pressure Family history of PVD, heart disease, or stroke Age -- as you get older, your risk increases Additional risk factors for artery problems... More -
Smoking: Smoking is more closely related to developing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) than any other risk factor. Smoking increases the risk of developing PVD three to five times. On average, smokers who develop PVD experience symptoms 10 years earlier than nonsmokers who develop PVD. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and forces the heart to pump harder. A buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) reduces oxygen in the blood and damages the lining of the blood vessels. Stopping smoking will slow the progress of PVD. Smoking even one or two cigarettes daily can interfere with the treatment for PVD. Smokers who have diabetes have the greatest risk of complications from PVD, including gangrene in the leg from decreased blood flow.
Chronic or serious illnesses: Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of developing PVD. One in three people over age 50 with diabetes is likely to have PVD. Anyone over age 50 with diabetes should be screened for PVD. Other conditions may also increase the risks of developing PVD, including kidney disease, high blood pressure, a high cholesterol level, heart disease, a family history of stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure, and age. Men who are older than age 50 and women who are older than age 55 are at higher risk for PVD.
Obesity: Being overweight contributes to other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, PVD, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Weight loss of as little as 10 pounds may lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Sedentary lifestyle: People who do not exercise regularly have an increased risk of developing PVD. Exercise is important because it can lower blood pressure, increase the level of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and improve the overall health of blood vessels and the heart. It also helps control weight, control diabetes, and reduce stress. Thirty minutes daily of moderate exercise is normally recommended. Patients should talk to their doctors before starting a new exercise program.
Inflammation: Elevations in markers of inflammation, including levels of C-reactive protein, may also be risk factors for the development of PVD.
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Smoking: Smoking is more closely related to developing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) than any other risk factor. Smoking increases the risk of developing PVD three to five times. On average, smokers who develop PVD experience symptoms 10... More -
Riverside Heart and Vascular Center answered:There are things that put you at high risk for getting peripheral vascular disorders (PVDs) that you may not be able to change. These are:
- Being on bedrest after an illness or injury.
- Having diabetes.
- Increasing age. As you get older, your blood vessels become less flexible.
- Long periods without activity, like sitting or standing for several hours without moving around.
- Pregnancy.
- Someone else in your family having heart or blood vessel disease.
- Hyperlipidemia: This is a high amount of fats, or cholesterol in your blood. This may be caused by a diet high in fat and cholesterol.
- Not exercising regularly or at all.
- Obesity: This means that you are 20 percent or more over the best weight for your body size. Your doctor will tell you if you are obese.
- Smoking.
- A history of thrombus or embolus (blood clots).
- End stage renal (kidney) disease (ESRD).
- Heart failure or coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Inflammation (swelling) in your legs.
- Your blood clots faster or more easily than normal.
There are things that put you at high risk for getting peripheral vascular disorders (PVDs) that you may not be able to change. These are: Being on bedrest after an illness or injury. Having diabetes. Increasing age. As you get older, your... More
